Today we’re in week 4 of our breakthrough disciplines series where we’re looking to the ancient secret of spiritual disciplines to experience breakthrough in our everyday lives. We’ve covered some of the expected spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. Today’s topic may be the one that seems most counterintuitive. Let’s talk about “pacing”.
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Welcome back to the podcast. We’re in week 4 of our breakthrough disciplines series where we’re looking to the ancient secret of spiritual disciplines to experience breakthrough in our everyday lives. We’ve covered some of the expected spiritual disciplines - prayer and fasting.
For men, I think today’s topic may be the one that seems most counterintuitive. I think this is the one that’s going to cause more of us to say, “That’s just not possible. You don’t know what my life is like and my situation.” We’re talking about the spiritual discipline of pacing ourselves for breakthrough. I can already feel the tension, and as a husband, father of 4, a shepherd of a church with over 400 attendance each Sunday, content creator, outdoorsman, neighbor, friend - and on and on - I feel the tension as much as anyone. I want to say up front this is the discipline I am probably the worst at of the ones we’re going to cover in this series, so I’m not speaking to you as someone who has it all figured out. I will say, though, when my life has better pacing and a more sustainable rhythm, I am better in all the areas I mentioned above.
Matthew 6:31- 32 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
A hurried life keeps us from being present enough to love God and people. “Slowing” is intentionally putting ourselves into situations that teach us to wait.
Matthew 17:4-5 Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials[a]—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”5 But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
A crowded life gives the world permission to shape us into its mold. “Solitude” is withdrawing from the constant barrage of stimulation (highs and lows) to let God transform us.
Mark 6:30-31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
Mark 6:45-46 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. 46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
A selfish life tempts us to use our words to control things. “Silence” is choosing not to speak so you can hear from God and learn to submit.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. 2 [b]Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.
Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.
Although our Sabbath may look different than what was practiced in the Old Testament, the principle of Sabbath was intended to bless us. Having a rhythm of time set aside for God and for rest carries many benefits.
Genesis 2:2-3 On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested[a] from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.
Mark 2:27-28 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
Romans 14:5 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.